The Legacy of Kilkenny

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  ABEL

  I answer the door on the second buzz of the doorbell. “Hey Oak, Bryon and I are just about to cook some burgers out on the grill with my dad. Come on in. How many burgers do you want, I’ll make up some patties.”

  “I’ll take a couple, thanks. I never get a chance to see your dad, this’ll be cool.” He tosses his jacket on the back of the couch. Everything he does, always comes across as cool, I’d like to learn that.

  “All the pretty women are out of the house, you aren’t here to see my ugly mug are you?” I like the idea of a guy night; Pru is fun but I need to burp and be a guy sometimes.

  “It’s your lucky day Abe, I’m here just to see you. Well, Bryon too. Your dad is out back huh?” He grabs one of the trays of burgers and helps me carry them outside.

  I grab a Frisbee and toss it to Bryon, he tosses it to Oakley and we play until the burgers are ready. My dad drinks a couple beers and joins in. As the sun starts to set, the mosquitoes come out trying to kill us with their relentless blood sucking bites. “Hey, I’m ready to go in, I’m getting ATE UP!” I said as I slapped at my ankle.

  “Dad, is it okay with you for Bryon and I to head over to the Phelan farm? Before you say it, I know, I have school tomorrow.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they get back in time.” Oakley said.

  “Yeah, but guys, don’t make me regret letting you go out on a school night. Don’t be late.” He buddy hugged me and for a brief moment I felt a strange vibration of power go through my body, it made me shiver. I didn’t say anything to the guys, to me it felt secretive. We climb into my car, Bryon scampering to get in the back seat; sitting sideways to have more room for his legs. I crank up the stereo for our drive to Choctaw. Oakley rolls his eyes at me as Lady GaGa assaults our eardrums claiming she was born that way.

  We walk in the house and see Mr. Phelan standing in the foyer with his arms crossed and a look of intense concentration on his face. “Hi General, how are you?” I take note he is still in his gardening clothes.

  “Abel, I need you to come with me, we need to talk.” He turns around and I follow him into the activity room. He told all the Pack members to go play in traffic as he closes the door behind me.

  “You seem a little serious sir, is everything okay?” Dread overwhelming me as I study the look on his face. I feel vibrations of concern bouncing off of him.

  “Well Abe, you and I need to come up with a plan. I know Pru has been out visiting your sister tonight, and ironically your mother showed up.” He sits down on the oversized couch. “Don’t worry, apparently it works out in our favor anyway. The girls are doing their girl stuff and your mom and Pru are staying the night out there. That vamp was over there earlier but he was booted out.”

  “My mom? Can’t someone do something? She’s in over her head, she’ll get hurt. General, is someone out there protecting them?” I feel panic take over my rational thought process.

  “I’ve sent someone out there to watch over your sister and mother. Sadly that is one of the problems living in a world that mixes humans along with non-humans.” He sits back on the couch, he puts his hand behind his head, propping his feet up on the coffee table. My mom would’ve killed me.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what that is supposed to mean? My Mother didn’t mean to give birth to the future leader of the werewolves of the universe I’m sure. Of all the losers my sister has dated in the last few years, we sure as hell didn’t pick a vampire for her to start knocking boots with.” I stand up and started pacing. “I don’t mean any disrespect sir, but I really don’t see how this is their fault.”

  “You’re right Abel, and I’m glad you feel passionate about what you say. We need that passion; we need you to be certain of your decisions. One thing for certain, your family does need protecting, but I’m not sure how far we’ll be able to go with your sister. Of course we’ll do what we can, but our priority is you.” He pointed his finger at me, making me feel like a little boy.

  “General, I can’t let them have Allie. If he turns her into one of them, I’ll have no other choice but to stake her. We can’t let it happen, and I need the Pack behind me on this.”

  Uncharacteristically the General stands up and walks over and puts his arms around me. “Abe, I get it… I do, but our focus is the protection of you. We need you to concentrate on your destiny and let us worry about the vampires.” He pulls away holding me at arm’s length.

  At that moment I feel every nerve in my body come alive, my head itched, my feet were throbbing and the burn in my stomach made me want to hurl. “Is it happening? Am I turning into a were?”

  “No, soon though.” He left the room calling for the Pack to come and join us as we discussed the plans for the vamps. I am relieved when he tells them Allie is a priority.